Vancouver Island, the largest island off the west coast of North America, is located in the province of British Columbia, Canada. With 460 kilometers of extension, this island stands out for its impressive natural beauty. It offers a variety of landscapes, from picturesque coasts and majestic mountains to temperate forests and a rich biodiversity. Visitors enjoy pristine beaches, rugged cliffs and lush cedar and spruce forests, but let us tell you why it should be one of your destinations.

Nature

If there's one thing Vancouver Island is known for, it's its nature. If you're familiar with the place or it's been on your radar for a while, you're probably already aware of this great attraction. From pristine beaches with golden sand and crystal-clear waters to rugged cliffs that plunge into the ocean, these coastal landscapes offer unparalleled natural beauty.
One example is the Broughton Archipelago Nature Park, a cluster of islands on the edge of the main island known for its beauty. Likewise, the Campbell River provides breathtaking scenery along its course. Add to this its lush, dense temperate forests, home to exceptional biodiversity, and the scene speaks for itself.

We recommend you visit the Vancouver Island website to learn about many of its other incredible natural areas and select the ones that interest you the most. But don't worry, none of them will disappoint.

Culture, First Nations

Vancouver Island and the abundant, life-giving waters of the Pacific Ocean that surround it are the traditional territory of the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwakaw'akw peoples. The so-called Vancouver Island First Nations are stewards of the land and continue to play a vital role in preserving indigenous culture and promoting nature, mutual respect and cross-culturalism. These indigenous communities have inhabited these lands for thousands of years, maintaining a deep connection to the land, the sea and their cultural traditions.

With a diverse and vibrant heritage, Vancouver Island's First Nations have left a significant imprint on the Island's history, culture and identity. Their art, dances, ceremonies and traditional knowledge continue to be valued and shared, and provide visitors with the opportunity to learn and appreciate the cultural richness of these communities.

Gastronomy, wines and beers

If you are a fan of wine, we invite you to explore the different local varieties. The winemaking tradition dates back to the 1920s, with the production of fruit wines from indigenous berries. Even today you can still enjoy these curious and delicious alternatives, such as honey wine (mead) and sparkling wine typical of the region. But fun fact, if today there are such wonderful options for wine enthusiasts, we have to thank a research project of the government of the province in the 1980s, which aimed to find grape varieties that could thrive in the maritime climate, resulting in the emergence and use of particularly resistant hybrid varieties. Today there are approximately 30 wineries on the island, from the Comox Valley on the northeast coast to Sooke near the southern tip. So, welcome research like this.

And don't worry, if you're more of a beer person, you'll also be more than served. Vancouver Island is home to more than 40 craft breweries throughout its territory. Take a look at the guide they have prepared and take part in this tradition.

Road Trips

Live the great North American experience and take a road trip. As we said, there is nothing better than exploring the vast territory of Vancouver Island and the virtues we have already mentioned at your own pace. Road trips are one of these classic options, and there is a wide range of routes already identified by local authorities and that can be done at your own pace.

Sustainable destination

And as if the lush nature, indigenous culture, generous cuisine and endless possibilities for exploration were not enough, here comes the icing on the cake. Vancouver Island is an international example of sustainable tourism. From the beginning they have clear guidelines, among which stand out their Mindful Travel and Ocean Friendly Travel strategies, which call visitors to commit themselves to take care of the space they visit.

Undoubtedly, a dream destination that is taking action to ensure that, in the future, it can continue to offer a sustainable tourism model to its visitors. Enjoy it wisely.